South West London Housing Partnership 2014 Conference Selective licencing Peter Brown, Director Housing Needs and Strategy Croydon

Legislative framework Housing Act 2004 introduced provisions for licensing of houses in multiple occupation and single family dwellings Mandatory scheme for HMOs (3+ storeys, 5+ tenants) Discretionary scheme for HMOs (LA criteria) Discretionary scheme for singe family dwellings (“Selective Licencing”)

Selective Licencing - requirements Low housing demand, or Significant and persistent anti-social behaviour, and Some landlords are failing to take action, and Adopting selective licencing will reduce/eliminate Consider other options Consult with those likely to be affected Fees charged must cover costs (not generate additional income – cost recovery model)

Why consider selective licensing in Croydon? Rapidly growing sector of housing market Persistent problems with crime and anti-social behaviour Persistent problems with environmental nuisance and fly- tipping Voluntary accreditation schemes have not worked Supported by tenants, residents and the Residential Landlords Association Provides a database of landlords in Croydon through which council can target services, information

ASB reports to Police by Borough – 2012/13 Croydon has 5 th highest rate in London (13533 reports)

Driving up standards for tenants & improving the environment for everyone Drive up standards for tenants Crack down on rogue landlords Make landlords take responsibility Improve neighbourhoods Tackle fly-tipping, rubbish dumping and other environmental nuisance

Discussion Is selective licensing proportionate? Impacts on rent levels? Impact on driving up standards? Issues for neighbouring boroughs – displacement? Government position